Word on Fair Haven's Superintendent

Officials, teachers describe Nelson Ribon in a word ... or two, or ten.

It's official. Knollwood School Principal Nelson Ribon has been appointed as the new superintendent of the Fair Haven School District. As was expected, officials, teachers and parents alike gathered to wish him well at Wednesday night's Board of Education meeting in a small, traditional coffee and cake celebration. Aside from all the standard kudos, people had a lot to say about the new top administrator. Patch asked them to describe him in a word. Some managed. Others just had too much to say about Ribon. The word, or words, are all good. But, on the subject of following direction — which has always been something teachers and administrators demand in this competitive school district — if there were such a category on the new state …

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Elaine Van Develde

3:49 pm on Thursday, April 25, 2013

Not all, by any means, Katy! Who knew the board of ed meetings could be so much fun ... ;)   more ›

Fair Haven Superintendent Search Over

Knollwood Principal Nelson Ribon slated for approval as new superintendent at tonight's Board of Education meeting

After conducting a months' long search for a new Fair Haven School District superintendent, it turns out that the Board of Education did not have to look any farther than its own ... principal's office. On Friday, a letter was sent out informing parents that Knollwood School Principal Nelson Ribon would be the district's next top administrator. That decision will be officially approved at tonight's Board of Education meeting with a traditional small welcoming cake and coffee celebration, according to outgoing Superintendent Kathleen Cronin. "I think the board made an excellent choice in selecting Nelson, as he is an effective communicator, an instructional leader and is knowledgeable about our district," Cronin, whose pending retirement …

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Knollwood Gets Prime Academic Grade on State Performance Report

Most scores are very high and high

Academically speaking, Fair Haven's Knollwood School ranks among the highest in the state. The grade four to eight school outperformed 90 percent of like schools; and, its student body is ahead of most, 91 percent, in college and career readiness, according to the new NJ School Performance Report. Knollwood kept a the highest rating among peers in in the readiness category, outpacing them by a "very high" 82 percent. "College and career readiness measures the degree to which students are demonstrating behaviors that are indicative of future attendance and/or success in college and careers," the report said. Under the Academic Achievement banner, Knollwood, however, went from the "very high" statewide score to faring "average" in its peer …

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For Art's Sake in Fair Haven Schools

District-wide art show reveals myriad masterpieces

The halls and all-purpose room of Fair Haven's Knollwood School were blooming with artful color and texture last night. A district-wide art show sprung into full boom on the spring evening. Featured was the artwork of 900 kindergarten through eighth grade students ranging from Chagall-, Van Gogh-, Georgia O'Keefe- and Jackson Pollock-inspired masterpieces in mediums from masks, pastels, print and paint to clay and collage. Sponsored by the Fair Haven PTA, the show was coordinated under the direction of art teachers Roseann LaBrocca and Rob Zupko. Students, teachers and parents all beamed with pride over the creations. Take a look at the photos above for a glimpse into the evening, the artists and the artwork.

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FH Schools Art Show Today

The show features the work of students pre-K through grade eight

Ode to the Gym Teacher: Mr. Measely

Do you remember your gym days? Who was your favorite teacher?

Ah, the gym teacher. It's the one person who can keep you from graduating, hold your athletic self-esteem hostage and just plain wreck any aspect of your wanna be jock life if you're a fragile, not-so-athletic soul. The gym teacher can also do the opposite. He or she can be an incredible help to your health and well being as well as your self esteem. The gym teacher can also whoop you into shape, like it or not, with a little brow beating and discipline, especially if you're not the regimented type. There's one gym teacher who had reign over Fair Haven's Knollwood School gym like none other in the early 1970s — Mr. Measely. John Measely. Sir! If you made it through Mr. Measely's armed forces-like gym class, you had character. You were …

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Winter Concert Time at Knollwood

The first Fair Haven schools holiday concert with band and orchestra was a success

The holidays were kicked off with festive sounds of music last night at Fair Haven's Knollwood School. The band and orchestra were showcased in the annual winter concert; and, they played to a capacity, standing-room-only crowd full of families, friends and neighbors. Take a look at some of the scenes from the evening and feel free to add your own as well.

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Knollwood Students Get Civics Lesson

Fair Haven Mayor and Borough Council meets at school; officials explain how municipal government works

They call them Marchese meetings. That's because the now annual Fair Haven Borough Council meetings held at Knollwood School as a teaching forum of sorts on how local government works were the brainchild of Councilman Robert Marchese. When he was first elected four years ago, Marchese, who recently won his second three-year term on council, came up with the idea as a way to educate and involve students in the government that affects them most directly. "I campaigned for a council meeting at Knollwood once a year so the students could participate during the day," Marchese told Patch at election time. "The idea was adopted by council even before I was sworn in. It is now an annual event. This year will be the fourth year." So, roughly a …

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Hurricane Sandy

Getting Back to School in Fair Haven

Students will not be permitted to ride bikes

Yes, school will be in session on Monday in Fair Haven. And, according to Superintendent Kathleen Cronin, students’ normal routine will kick right back into gear, with one important exception — Police Chief Darryl Breckenridge has announced that, for safety's sake, no one will be permitted to ride bikes to school until further notice. “Because of the downed power lines and possible dangers students could face if they happen to make contact with live wires, the chief has advised that it is best to do everything in our power to avoid that risk,” Cronin said. “So, it was strongly suggested that parents either drive or walk kids to school.” Other than that, both Knollwood and Sickles schools will be opening at the normal times on Monday and …

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